Suspected Northern California arsonist accidentally set self on fire

SANTA ROSA -- Police say a Sonoma County arson suspect who was setting a car on fire accidentally set himself ablaze when accelerant spilled onto his clothing.

The Santa Rosa Press Democrat reported Wednesday (http://bit.ly/1nPS3sQ ) that witnesses to the car fire at a mall told police they saw a man rolling on the ground to put out flames before he rode off on a bicycle.

Authorities say an hour later a man walked into a hospital with second- and third-degree burns and became a suspect.

Police Sgt. Phil Brazis says the 44-year-old Windsor man was interviewed by detectives but wasn't arrested as he was being transferred to an out-of-county burn treatment hospital.

His name was not disclosed.

Brazis says investigators believe the burned car, a Lexus, may belong to a family member of the suspect's girlfriend.